Kaya is a new music festival set in the stunning surroundings of the Vaynol Estate and overlooking the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. This global world music event offers a variety of activities, foods, crafts and entertainment – from free workshops to a solar cinema – to compliment some truly eclectic sounds.
Global DJ Night on Friday kicks off what promises to be an impressive weekend of aural indulgence, and what better way to get the party rolling than with energetic headliner Craig Charles and his Funk & Soul Club? Also known as a poet, comedian, actor and presenter, this larger than life BBC radio DJ is ready to get raw on June 1st.
As a warm up for his performance in the estate’s picturesque grounds he has provided a selection of some of his favourite funky and soulful tracks via the Youtube video links below. Along with a few words about each choice he has given just a taster of what to expect from a devoted music enthusiast whose passion for the work of both fresh talent and classic artists is as clear now as it was 10 years ago, when he began presenting his BBC 6 Music radio show…
Jackson 5 – ABC – The Reflex Stems Re-Vision
Been playing this to death, massive track.
The Excitements – I Don’t Love You No More
Straight out of Spain, new, get on it.
Lack of Afro – The Outsider
Our man Lack of Afro, has a compilation out on Freestlye Records: ‘One Way’ remixes and rarities, it’s a must.
The Fantasy Funk Band – Move On Up
The listener’s of my BBC 6 music radio show voted for their favourite funk & soul drummer, horns section, keys, bass, vocalist, percussion to create The Fantasy Funk Band. It contains top of their game players like James Taylor (JTQ), Snowboy, John Turrell (Smoove and Turrell), Ernie McKone, Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds), Mike Bandoni (Funkshone) and The Haggis Horns.
The Apples & Masters At Work – Killing (Sam Redmore Mashup)
Can’t wait to drop this at Kaya, its gonna tear the roof off!!
In addition to this playlist, the guys at Kaya have been kind enough to put up a pair of weekend camping tickets for Festival Mag readers to win. For competition info, click here. For more about Kaya festival, see our guide.